EAST MEETS WEST: INFLUENTIAL ELEMENTS OF WESTERN PIANO MUSIC ON CHINESE PIANO MUSIC

Abstract

The inspiration for my doctoral dissertation came from my participation in UMD’s concerto competition, where I had the opportunity to perform and record both the Liszt Piano Concerto No. 1 and the Yellow River Piano Concerto during my DMA study. It was fascinating for me to observe how the Yellow River Concerto had been influenced by Western piano concertos.Piano compositions with national characteristics have long been cherished and adored by audiences and performers alike. Chinese composers have masterfully crafted piano music that exudes a distinct Chinese flavor by integrating folk tunes and emulating the timbre of folk instruments. These pieces convey the unique culture of Chinese music to audiences and musicians alike. Through the combination of traditional folk modes, rhythms, melodies, and musical forms, numerous exceptional piano works showcase the aesthetic national color and style. As a Chinese pianist who received my music education in China, Ukraine, and the USA, I am excited about the prospect of recording both Chinese and Western repertoire. I find it extremely intriguing to explore the influential elements of Western music on Chinese music, while identifying their similarities and differences. Although this will be a challenging endeavor, it is also highly rewarding, and I look forward to presenting my findings in this dissertation. For the purposes of my study, I have classified the music I have recorded into three categories: compositions inspired by scenery, compositions with themes related to children, and dance music with diverse folk elements and characteristics. The repertoire presented in this dissertation is included in a two-CD album that I recorded at the Dekelboum Concert Hall at the University of Maryland, College Park. These recordings will be available in the Digital Repository at the University of Maryland (DRUM) for all to enjoy